4 Chelsea Players who were criticised but scored in their first league match

Chelsea fans didn’t need to wait too long to see Alvaro Morata open his account for the Blues as he headed home his first goal for the club shortly after coming on as a substitute against Burnley last weekend.

The Spanish striker made an immediate impression by nodding in a cross by Willian almost exactly 10 minutes after he had replaced Michy Batshuayi in his first appearance at Stamford Bridge.

While it wasn’t enough to help us salvage a point on the day, it was still a good start for Morata, who joined these former Chelsea favourites in scoring on his Premier League debut for the club.

Tore Andre Flo, vs Coventry, 1997

If you thought Morata’s goal was quick, it was still nowhere close to the whirlwind strike by Tore Andre Flo had on his debut against Coventry on the opening day of the 1997/98 season. The Norwegian replaced Mark Hughes after 68 minutes at Highfield Road and got on the scoresheet just three minutes later, heading in a cross by Roberto Di Matteo. It was the first of 50 Chelsea goals for Flo although it was not enough to save us from a 3-2 defeat that day.

George Weah, vs Tottenham 2000

Having completed his loan move from AC Milan just hours before our Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur, Liberian striker George Weah quickly endeared himself to Blues supporters by netting the only goal against our London rival. The former World Footballer of the Year came on as a second-half substitute and proved his value by rising above the Spurs defence to head in a hanging cross by Dennis Wise three minutes from time at the Bridge.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, vs West Ham, 2000 

Our opening match of the 2000/01 season is remembered more for the sensational volley by Mario Stanic, one of two on the day for the Croatian. However, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink also opened his league account for Chelsea that day, earning a penalty after he was chopped down by Shaka Hislop and sending the West Ham ‘keeper the wrong way from the spot. It was a sign of things to come for the prolific Dutchman who was a perfect 12-for-12 on penalties in the 87 goals he scored for us.

Florent Malouda, vs Birmingham City 2007 

Florent Malouda had hit his first Chelsea goal a week earlier against Manchester United in the Community Shield and the Frenchman took just 31 minutes to also score on his Premier League debut against Birmingham City. Having laid off a pass for Frank Lampard in the middle of the Birmingham half, Malouda continued his run into the box as the ball was relayed to him by Salomon Kalou, and he duly shot past goalkeeper Colin Doyle to put ahead in our 3-2 win.

Juan Mata, vs Norwich City, 2011

Signed from Valencia just before the closing of the transfer window in August 2011, Juan Mata quickly won over the fans at his new home by scoring on his debut against Norwich City. With the Blues clinging on to a 2-1 lead deep into added time, the Spaniard pounced on an errant pass by the Canaries defence and stroked the ball past goalkeeper Declan Rudd into the far corner of the net to seal the three points.